A work the Times of London called a "joyous, surprising, moving production," Barber Shop Chronicles explores the diversity of black male identity through the rituals and verbal banter of the urban barbershop. The cast riffs on topics both personal and political—from family to race relations to views about fatherhood and masculinity—as we eavesdrop on conversations in six different barbershops in London, Lagos, Johannesburg, Accra, Kampala, and Harare over the course of a single day. Created by Nigerian-born, UK-based poet and playwright Inua Ellams, the play has been a sold-out sensation in multiple London runs, resonating with audiences and critics alike for its deeply engaging sense of humor and humanity.

Approximate run time: 1 hour and 45 minutes without intermission

Co-commissioned by Fuel and the National Theatre. Development funded by Arts Council England with the support of Fuel, National Theatre, West Yorkshire Playhouse, The Binks Trust, British Council ZA, Òran MÓr and A Play, a Pie and a Pint.

Within and WithoutAddressing Citizenship through Artistic Engagement
by Thomas May

It transpired in a mere moment: the experience of a lifetime recaptured, and with it a pang of empathy for a new generation facing the same pattern. During his appearance in Zellerbach Hall in Robert Wilson's Letter to a Man, just after the 2016 presidential election, Mikhail Baryshnikov witnessed a silent protest on Sproul Plaza led by students...READ ARTICLE

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Parking Alerts

Parking will be a problem on campus for the Oct 27 performance due to a Cal Football game. Please see our Parking Alert section for more information.

Related Events

Artist Talk
Tue, Oct 16, 2018, 12pm
Multicultural Community Center, 220 ASUC Student Union: Martin Luther King Jr. Building
With Barber Shop Chronicles playwright Inua Ellams. Presented in association with the UC Berkeley Multicultural Community Center and in cooperation with the Haas Institute for a Fair and Inclusive Society. A 2018/19 Season Berkeley RADICAL Citizenship event. Free and open to the public and ADA accessible. Join the Facebook Event!

Community Forum
Thu, Oct 25, 2018, 7pm
Benny Adem Grooming Parlor, 408 14th Street, Oakland
Featuring a video and dialogue with actors from the production of Barber Shop Chronicles. The actors will address themes of the play: the connective/bonding power of citizenship; community, connections, and commonality in African diaspora communities; and contemporary Black masculinity. Presented in association with the Haas Institute for a Fair and Inclusive Society, Benny Adem Grooming Parlor, Africanity Love, Priority Africa Network, and the Black Alliance for Just Immigration. A 2018/19 Season Berkeley RADICAL Citizenship event. Free and open to the public, but RSVP required. Join the Facebook Event!

Donor Benefits

Donor Parking
As a service to our donors at the $750 level and above, we offer the opportunity to reserve parking for our performances. Reserve parking online 5 business days or more in advance of the performance, or by contacting Cal Performances' Development Department at 510.642.8653 or email donate@calperformances.org.